FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string Carrig most often is that man for the Heat, taking over first-string duties after Miami’s longtime official scorer, Peter Abraham, retired in 2022. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2026 While the Steelers gave Warren a modest contract extension just before the start of the season, there really is no definitive first-string running back, which is just the way offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likes it. — CBS News, 27 Dec. 2025 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. — Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Albies is an excellent contact hitter, putting the bat on the ball, and driving the ball to the gaps.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
Located in the heart of the Marais, a restaurant at the Centre Pompidou would have to be pretty special to compete against all the excellent neighboring options.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

This marks mainland Europe's first total eclipse since 1999, with the path of totality sweeping from Russia, across the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland, before culminating in Spain, a prime viewing destination.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026
The prime way to see the movie is through 70mm IMAX — delivering an ultrasharp, massive physical film image with a taller aspect ratio that reveals up to 40% more picture than cropped digital or standard digital screens.

— Kaitlyn Harvey, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of prime

Adjective

Spiridakos is terrific as the no-nonsense ranger who refuses to let herself be crushed by her past or present.

— Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
For 12 terrific seasons now, the New England Revolution has celebrated their partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts and the incredible impact of the Rev's Unified Team.

— Juli McDonald, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

The college game is stellar and the pro iteration might be even better.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2026
The show is not yet as fine-tuned as its predecessor; some dialogue could use less theatrical melodrama and characterizations could be tightened, but staging is stellar.

— Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of stellar

Adjective

Lee, so fine in a wide variety of roles from Past Lives to The Morning Show, is superb as a woman playing a role in life as well as piano bars.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Hakai-hen’s mecha anime series lineup was also superb, with my beloved Dancouga included (shown below).

— Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

If cultural norms do shape footballing identities, that gap may help explain why the Spanish game has historically placed a greater premium on collective structures than some of its European neighbours.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
His greatest series let people see a character who has revealed the filthiest, most shameful parts of themselves, and imagine them as a mirror.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of great

Adjective

The restaurant has two Michelin stars; there's also a daytime bistro and a wonderful bar worth spending a few hours in.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Aug. 2026
And like ginseng was supposed to be like this magical supplement that, like, improved health and memory and all sorts of wonderful things.

— Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of wonderful

Adjective

The backstory First inaugurated in 1900 for the Exposition Universelle at the turn of the century, this property is charismatically old at a lovely 125.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
There are orange and ube lattes, that sea-salt cheese latte that only comes iced and soft serve with coffee – a drippy, lovely affogato.

— John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

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“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

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